I looked at Luna, curiosity and hope mingling in my expression. "How do I do make The Absolute work with your style?"
She began, her voice calm yet authoritative, "Imagine my fighting style as a gentle breeze, flowing steadily and predictably. Now, when you use your ability, it's like a sudden gust of wind. Powerful, yes, but disruptive to the steady flow."
I nodded, understanding the analogy but seeking guidance on how to proceed. "So, my ability is too abrupt. It disturbs the rhythm we're aiming for."
"Exactly," Luna affirmed. "To harmonize your ability with my technique, you must transform that gust of wind into a gentle breeze. Use it subtly, like a breeze that enhances the flow rather than disrupts it."
I contemplated her words, visualizing how I could adjust my approach. "So, I need to refine my use of The Absolute. Use it to guide the flow of the battle, rather than overpower it."
Luna smiled, pleased with his insight. "Yes, precisely. Think of using The Absolute to subtly adjust the environment, creating openings that align seamlessly with your strikes. It should complement and enhance the precision of my technique."
Reflecting on my recent encounter with Joe, I realized that using my ability was unnecessary at that moment. I had acted impulsively, causing an unnecessary disruption.
Transforming an inherently destructive ability into something gentle was proving to be a challenging task.
Although the concept seemed straightforward, executing it was anything but easy.
This ability, once fully unleashed, was akin to a black hole, consuming everything in its path.
I visualized a black hole's immense destructive power, then attempted to imagine this same cosmic force as a gentle presence, floating harmlessly in space. It was an absurd notion.
Silas, in the game, never used 'The Absolute' in a gentle manner. It seemed wasteful to weaken such a broken power just to suit a different fighting style.
Yet, I had no alternative. This was the only fighting style I knew, and it was effective. Until I discovered a more suitable method for using "The Absolute," I had no choice but to proceed.
A full day of training passed, with Luna as my relentless sparring partner. She didn't even take a break.
My phone alarm sounded, alerting me that I was now thirty minutes late for the academy. Fortunately, our training session had just concluded, and I had gained a better understanding of using "The Absolute" with Luna's fighting style.
"You'd better get moving, you might still make it," Luna advised.
Without wasting any time, I hurried to the train station. My body was exhausted, but adrenaline kept me going. Five minutes later, I arrived at the station, relieved to see the train to the edge of the kingdom was already there.
I approached the train doors, and upon sensing my presence, a payment box appeared. Drawing on Silas's memories, I deposited the required hundred gold. After verifying the gold, the train doors opened.
Inside, the train was packed. I squeezed through the crowd, searching for a spot with a bit of breathing room. This train was popular as it was the only one heading to the kingdom's edge.
The edge of the kingdom was home to the Arcana Academy, the most prestigious institution in the realm, attracting the kingdom's brightest students. It was also the sole exit point to other kingdoms.
Although I was running late, there was a silver lining: I would miss the principal's tedious speech about the pride and history of being an Arcana student. However, I needed to arrive before the mission began.
In Wizards and Wishes, missions are pivotal events that shape the storyline. The upcoming mission, "First Day," involved Derek encountering two nobles upset that a commoner had entered the S-Class.
Depending on the choices, this could either draw more attention to Derek, leading to quicker interactions with the heroines, or hinder his progress. This minor mission wouldn't significantly impact the overall story but would provide insight into Derek's path.
According to the game index, Derek wishes to dismantle the nobility's oppressive rule over commoners.
While a simple wish, it aligns with the game's narrative: a commoner rises to prominence in the kingdom's elite academy and wins the hearts of high ranking noble daughters.
***
After a twenty-minute ride, a robotic voice announced our arrival at the kingdom's edge.
"Destination reached!"
The landscape was a stunning blend of nature and architecture. Majestic castles and grand mansions, belonging to the five major families, dotted the scenery.
From the highest point of the World Tower, the entire city unfolded in a picturesque view: cobblestone streets, charming houses with red-tiled roofs glowing under the sun, and a bustling market square full of merchants and townsfolk shopping at stores.
In the distance, rolling hills merged into mountains, their peaks often shrouded in clouds. At the heart of this idyllic setting stood the Arcana Academy, divided into four grand wings.
The North Wing housed first-year students, including me and many main characters. The South Wing was for second-year students, the East Wing for third years, and the Central Wing served as a communal space for all, though it was often a site of upperclassmen bullying juniors.
Despite this, the current freshmen class were future Overlords, destined to reach the tenth ring—a feat only achieved by a handful in the kingdom's history.
Upon arriving at the academy, guards stationed at the front gate stopped me.
"Identification," one commanded.
"Silas Raven," I replied calmly. The guard tensed.
"I'll need further proof of identity," he insisted.
I lifted my shirt, revealing a raven tattoo on my back. This ominous symbol, with sharp, dark lines and fiery red eyes, signified power and fear.
Burned into Silas by his father at a young age, it marked the heirs of the Raven family. Unlike other noble families who used objects for identification, the Ravens employed this painful method as a protection mechanism.
If an heir was near death, the patriarch's ability would activate from the tattoo, painfully and slowly killing the target unless countered.
The guard nodded, and his colleagues began opening the heavily protected gates. I entered, taking a deep breath to steady myself, and headed to the location where Derek's mission would unfold.